While the standard Kia Sportage trim is an excellent SUV to consider, you don’t have to settle. You can go for all the bells and whistles that this recently redesigned SUV has to offer. But is upgrading to the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige trim worth it? 

What comes with the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige trim? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige trim comes with everything included with the SX Prestige and X-Pro packages, but let’s start with pricing. The Sportage has an MSRP of $25,900, and the X-Pro Prestige increases the cost to $36,790. 

This SUV is a bargain! It only costs about $10,890 to go from the bottom to the top. We’ve driven the EX Hybrid trim and the X-Pro Prestige, so we have a clear idea of the added comfort and convenience. 

With the SX Prestige package, you get 19-inch gloss black wheels, upgraded LED headlights and taillight, LED fog lights, premium synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a camera-based blind spot monitor, 360-degree camera display, and automatic low-speed braking. 

According to Edmunds, the X-Pro package adds 17-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. You also get the Kia Active all-wheel drive system with a hydraulic center-locking coupling. 

The multi-terrain driving modes include a Snow mode. Plus, you get a heated windshield, heated steering wheel, and alloy pedal covers. 

How does the Sportage X-Pro Prestige perform?

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige comes with the standard gas-powered 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Some critics feel as if this engine is underpowered, and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds. However, it didn’t feel that slow during our tests. It has responsive handling, and confident brakes. 

The interior is pretty quiet, but some wind noise is noticeable at higher speeds. Also, the ride is incredibly smooth over the pavement and rugged terrain. 

With the off-roading upgrades, including an 8.3-inch ground clearance, the X-Pro is shockingly capable. It feels smooth and confident over rough sections of gravel and dirt trails. It can climb over obstacles without any trouble or delay. 

But it only gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. The Kia Sportage Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, electric motor, and battery pack to generate 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. It gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 44 mpg on the highway. But this engine isn’t available with the X-Pro package. 

Does the Sportage X-Pro Prestige have nice features? 

Yes, the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Presitge is well appointed. The faux leather seats are more comfortable than the seats in the EX trim. Plus, power adjustment controls for the passenger are a nice perk. 

The ventilated seats could be a little stronger, but the heated steering wheel and seats are incredibly toasty. The parking sensors and 360-degree camera make it easier to navigate through tight areas. 

Also, the beefy off-roading tires, extra ground clearance, black wheels, and alloy pedal covers provide a more confident and attractive look. 

But lower trims also come with the 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless charging pad, hands-free power liftgate, and remote start. Plus, the AWD system, multi-terrain driving modes, AWD lock, hill start assist, and downhill brake control are also available. 

Unless you want the hybrid engine, the X-Pro Prestige trim is worth it. It’s more comfortable, looks better, and is more comfortable. However, it isn’t necessary if you would like to save with a different model.